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Raptr Launches Plays.tv Streaming Site

2015/03/31

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — March 31, 2015 — Raptr, a leading optimization platform for PC gamers, today officially launched Plays.tv, a fun, easy way for gamers to capture their most interesting gameplay moments and instantly share them. Dedicated to celebrating the pro in every gamer, Plays.tv gives all players a new way to memorialize their epic wins and fails as well as a community centered on reliving those moments with others. Raptr today also announced $14 million in new financing, some of which will be allocated to further expansion of Plays.tv.

“To me, chatting with my friends about all the funny and amazing things that happened in the game we just played is often as much fun as playing the game itself,” said Dennis “Thresh” Fong, founder and CEO of Raptr and an early eSports star. “Everyone experiences moments they want to remember when gaming; Plays.tv makes saving those moments as easy as taking a screenshot and provides a fun community to share them with.”

“At Team Dignitas, we’re always looking for new ways to engage with our fans,” said Michael O’Dell, Managing Director of Team Dignitas. “Plays.tv makes it super simple to capture highlight moments from our matches without the hassles of editing, and it’s awesome to have a dedicated community to share them with so our fans can relive those moments with us.”

Since introducing gameplay recording in Raptr nine months ago, Raptr users have captured more than four million highlight videos from their gaming sessions. Plays.tv was created to provide gamers with a dedicated home to showcase their favorite moments.

Also introduced today in Beta, the Plays.tv client is a free, fast, and simple way to capture, edit, and share gameplay clips and post them to your Plays.tv feed and other social networks like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. The Plays.tv client automatically starts recording during gameplay and uses hardware-accelerated video encoding to ensure minimal impact on performance. The Plays.tv client can optionally capture the user’s webcam (picture-in-picture) and can also automatically import videos recorded using other software such as OBS, Raptr, and Nvidia’s Shadowplay for easy editing and sharing. The Plays.tv client works with any PC game.

Gamers can use Plays.tv to:

Instantly share short highlights from any game (up to the last 20 mins)
Edit and trim clips from full session replays
Follow friends, eSports stars, popular streamers and others
Simultaneously post videos to Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and other social networks
Relive amazing moments with friends and the community

Raptr’s new round of financing includes funding from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) as well as funding from existing investors Accel Partners, DAG Ventures, and Tenaya Capital. With this financing, the company has raised a total of $41 million in equity funding since its inception in 2007.

About Raptr

Raptr is one of the fastest-growing PC gaming services in the world. The Raptr software, which is entirely free, is designed to optimize PC gaming performance while maintaining high quality and system efficiency. Raptr has tens of millions of users in dozens of countries, and attracts more than two million new sign-ups each month. Strategic partnerships with Intel and AMD ensure Raptr’s access to both chipmakers’ existing and upcoming technologies as well as their enormous customer bases. Raptr also owns and operates Plays.tv, a platform and community for capturing and sharing all gamers’ memorable gaming moments. The company is led by CEO and co-founder Dennis Fong (co-founder of Xfire, Lithium, and Gamers.com). Raptr was founded in 2007 and is backed by investors Accel Partners, Founder’s Fund, DAG Ventures, and Tenaya Capital. For more information about Raptr, please visit http://raptr.com and/or follow @Raptr.

Grand Theft Auto V PC Screens and Specs

2015/03/30

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Rockstar Games has released some new screenshots as well as the recomended and minumum hardware requirements for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto V PC version, which is due out on April 14, 2015.

Minimum specifications:

OS: Windows 8.1 64 Bit, Windows 8 64 Bit, Windows 7 64 Bit Service Pack 1, Windows
Vista 64 Bit Service Pack 2* (*NVIDIA video card recommended if running Vista OS)
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz (4 CPUs) / AMD Phenom 9850
Quad-Core Processor (4 CPUs) @ 2.5GHz
Memory: 4GB
Video Card: NVIDIA 9800 GT 1GB / AMD HD 4870 1GB (DX 10, 10.1, 11)
Sound Card: 100% DirectX 10 compatible
HDD Space: 65GB
DVD Drive

Recommended specifications:

OS: Windows 8.1 64 Bit, Windows 8 64 Bit, Windows 7 64 Bit Service Pack 1
Processor: Intel Core i5 3470 @ 3.2GHZ (4 CPUs) / AMD X8 FX-8350 @ 4GHZ (8 CPUs)
Memory: 8GB
Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 660 2GB / AMD HD7870 2GB
Sound Card: 100% DirectX 10 compatible
HDD Space: 65GB
DVD Drive

Screenshots

Wargaming.Net League Grand Finals Details

2015/03/26

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Geek News, News, Windows PC News

March 26, 2015 — Wargaming is excited to reveal further details on the upcoming 2015 Grand Finals. This event is part of the Wargaming.net League eSports division for competitive players of the global hit World of Tanks, and will be held April 25–26 at EXPO XXI in Warsaw, Poland. Over two intense days, the top 12 World of Tanks teams will battle it out on an international stage competing for the right to be named World Champion and take home their share of the total $300K prize pool.

This Grand Finals event marks the continuation of the new and revamped tournament format Attack/Defense mode. The new mode setup and rules have been developed with the help of pro gamers to enhance and streamline battles, making matches even more thrilling for players and spectators. With no chance of a draw, opponents must take the initiative and go all out if they want to be crowned victorious.

Wargaming is also proud to announce the sponsors the Grand Finals 2015: Intel, a world leader in technology; Razer, a manufacturer of high quality gaming peripherals; and paysafecard, providers of safe and easy online payments throughout Europe.

The event will be free to the public, with a variety of prizes and exclusive giveaways for the most passionate spectators. In addition to watching the action unfold on the battlefield, players and fans alike will enjoy various forms of entertainment including World of Tanks Blitz competitions at the Red Bull stand, quizzes at paysafeguard to test fan’s tank knowledge and team competitions for up to 14 players at the MGT-20. All these activities can be found at the partners’ area during match intermissions. The event will also feature two real tanks, a T-34/85 and M4AI Sherman, courtesy of the Polish Military Museum in Warsaw. These legendary vehicles have been refurbished by Wargaming for guests to learn about their history.

The list of finalists will be announced during the seeding ceremony on April 2 at 19:00 CET. The ceremony will be broadcast in English on the WGLEU official Twitch channel.

For more information on the Wargaming.net League Grand Finals, please visit:

www.thegrandfinals.com

F1 2015 Launch Date and Screenshots

2015/03/26

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Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Screenshots / Photos, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

SAN JOSE, Calif., (March 26, 2015) – Codemasters® today announced that F1 2015, the official video game of the 2015 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™, will release in June 2015 and will be distributed by BANDAI NAMCO Games America Inc. in the Americas. Arriving much earlier in the FORMULA ONE™ season than before, this will mark the award-winning series’ debut on PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft. The title will also be available for Windows PC through STEAM.

F1 2015 is set to take gamers closer to the real-world experience of racing in the world’s most glamorous, exciting and prestigious motorsport thanks to a brand new version of Codemasters’ proprietary EGO game engine. In addition to spectacular visual fidelity, F1 2015 offers a significant step forward in the physics-based handling model of the game, which is designed to be inclusive for both seasoned players and those new to the series. The handling model offers enhancements and additions in over 20 areas, including engine and transmission, aerodynamics, fuel tank, force feedback, suspension and most notably a brand new tire physics model, to recreate the breathtaking handling characteristics of the world’s fastest and most responsive racing cars.

F1 2015 will deliver a truly immersive experience thanks to an all-new ‘broadcast presentation’ style that recreates the unique race day atmosphere of a GRAND PRIX™, complete with podium and grid sequences. Using voice recognition technology available for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles, players can become immersed in the cockpit, engaging with their race engineer through in-game voice commands with Kinect for Xbox One and the PlayStation®Camera or compatible headsets and microphones for PlayStation 4. Players will compete as their favorite FORMULA ONE star in the all-new Championship Season and push themselves to the limit in the challenging Pro Season mode.

Look forward to one of the most hotly anticipated seasons of recent times, including the return of the Mexico Grand Prix for the first time in over 20 years, in the 2015 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, as well as a fully playable 2014 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™ season, available to players as bonus game content.

“F1 2015 marks an exciting new chapter for Codemasters and FORMULA ONE; it’s a shift in direction for the game series, on new formats and our brand new game engine, with the game set to be released earlier in the season, launching this June,” commented Paul Jeal, Game Director, Codemasters.

“The handling is a vast improvement from our previous games. In particular our new tire model is a superb step forward towards realism, letting you explore where the limit is and allowing you to instantly feel much more connected with the car. You can now experience the changes in grip caused by temperature changes, wear, car set-up, debris and weather conditions. Our improved vehicle dynamics much more accurately convey the difference in performance and the feel between mechanical and aerodynamic grip. The new Force Feedback system adds to the feeling of connection with the car and track surface. The more natural and realistic nature of the game physics also serves to ensure that the racing experience is more accessible, enjoyable and rewarding for players of all skill levels.”

“With the second race of the 2015 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP this weekend in Malaysia, the team is busy modelling the new 2015 cars and drivers in readiness for the game’s summer launch. You can see a tease of our first signed off 2015 content in our debut screenshots, as well as an early glimpse of the Mexican circuit. In addition to the 2015 season, we are also delighted to be able to offer the 2014 season as a bonus selectable season*. Even this far out from our games release they truly show the power of our new game engine. ”

Follow Codemasters F1 games blog and social channels on Twitter and Facebook for future updates. F1 2015 will be published by Codemasters and distributed by BANDAI NAMCO Games in Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Russia, Australia and New Zealand.

Announcement Screenshots

D23 Special Member Events Announced for Orlando Area

2015/03/26

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Geek News, News

BURBANK, Calif. – MARCH 26, 2015 – Today, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club announced additional special member events in the Orlando area, adding even more exclusive experiences for fans in Central Florida. On the heels of a D23 Member-exclusive screening of Walt Disney Studios’ live-action Cinderella, the fan club is slated to bring more magic to the Walt Disney World Resort area throughout the rest of the year, including—for the first time—intimate events celebrating classic Disney films similar to what members enjoy at The Walt Disney Studios lot with guest speakers, screenings, and other surprises.

WAKING UP WITH SLEEPING BEAUTY: On the morning of Saturday, April 18, D23 Gold and Silver Members will be able to enjoy this animated classic on the big screen. Special guest, animator and Walt Disney World Creative Designer Lon Smart, will explore the film’s numerous landmark achievements including its unique artistic style and groundbreaking visual effects. Plus, all members will receive a special journal designed to look like the ornate storybook at the beginning of the film.

MICKEY’S OF GLENDALE ORLANDO SHOPPING EVENTS: The Walt Disney Imagineering store is opening up a pop-up shop for D23 Gold and Silver Members. OnSaturday, June 6, guests will be able to peruse and purchase signature items from the store’s unique collection. And on Saturday, November 14, members will be able to pick up some key holiday gift items for the Disney fans in their lives—and for themselves.

LET’S GET TOGETHER WITH THE PARENT TRAP: Celebrate this beloved film—starring Hayley Mills in dual roles—with D23 as we present the 1961 hit on the big screen Saturday, June 6. D23’s Steven Vagnini will present a look at the making of the movie with rarely seen photographs and imagery. All attendees will receive a special gift. Plus, guests who attend the screening will receive priority admission on that day to D23’s shopping event with Mickey’s of Glendale.

SIP AND STROLL: D23 brings a new twist to a fan favorite, as members gather in celebration of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival on Saturday, October 3. Attendees will enjoy a continental breakfast, guest speakers, and an insider look at this annual event, now in its 20th year, before sipping and strolling around World Showcase—with some delectable surprises.

Calendar (all events and dates are subject to change):

April 18: Waking Up with Sleeping Beauty—AMC Downtown Disney 24, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
June 6: Let’s Get Together With The Parent Trap—AMC Downtown Disney 24, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
June 6: Mickey’s of Glendale Orlando Shopping Event—Location TBA, Walt Disney World Resort
October 3: Sip and Stroll—Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, Fla.
November 14: Mickey’s of Glendale Orlando Shopping Event—Location TBA, Walt Disney World Resort

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($74.99) and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

Skyforge Launch Classes Revealed

2015/03/26

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Geek News, News

March 26, 2015 — Today, Obsidian Entertainment and Allods Team have unveiled all 13 unique classes of immortals that players will be able to battle and explore with at the launch of the upcoming sci-fi fantasy MMORPG, Skyforge. Each class, from the mighty Knight to the half-mad Alchemist, have their own unique style, appearance, abilities and talents, allowing players to experiment with many playstyles and find what matches them best. Players can switch classes anytime outside of combat so will have ample opportunity to try all 13 classes.

For a short overview and image for each class, please visit the official Skyforge website: http://sf.my.com/us/news/announcements/skyforge-launch-classes-unveiled

Bohemia Interactive Announces Make Arma Not War Contest Winners

2015/03/26

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Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

March 26, 2015 — Bohemia Interactive, creators of the Arma series and the standalone version of DayZ, today announce the winners in the €500,000 Make Arma Not War content creation contest for Arma 3.

In the Make Arma Not War contest, Arma 3 content creators were invited to compete in four different categories: Total Modification, Singleplayer Game Mode, Multiplayer Game Mode, and Addon.

The winners, per category, are:

Singleplayer Game Mode
1st place (€50,000) – RESIST by Kydoimos
2nd place (€30,000) – Pilgrimage by Rydygier
3rd place (€20,000) – Deliverance by Sarge Studio

Multiplayer Game Mode
1st place (€50,000) – King Of The Hill by Sa-Matra
2nd place (€30,000) – Battle Royale: Ghost Hotel by PLAYERUNKNOWN
3rd place (shared) (€10,000) – Get Wrecked* by Sli
3rd place (shared) (€10,000) – Twilight Onslaught* by Dorian23Grey*These entries received an equal amount of points from the Make Arma Not War jury.

Addon
1st place (€50,000) – Task Force Arrowhead Radio by Nkey
2nd place (€30,000) – Bornholm by Egil Sandfeld
3rd place (€20,000) – F/A-18X Black Wasp by Saul

Total Modification
Winner (€200,000) – RHS: Escalation by Red Hammer Studios

As part of a unique collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Bohemia Interactive also instituted the Health Care in Danger Special Award. Given to the entry which covers the topic of health care in danger the best, the winner of this award will go on a one-week trip to an ICRC mission in a foreign country, organized by the ICRC.

The winner is:

Health Care In Danger Special Award
Winner (one-week trip to an ICRC mission) – Pilot Civilian Air Rescue On Missions by RobJ2210

In celebration of the winners, Bohemia Interactive will be hosting a special livestream tomorrow, Friday March 27th, at 16:00 UTC. Live from the Bohemia Interactive offices in Prague, Associate Producer Matt Lightfoot and other members of the Make Arma Not War team will be playing some of the winning entries. The session will be broadcasted from the official Arma 3 channel on Twitch.tv.

Bohemia Interactive’s CEO, Marek Spanel, said:
“On behalf of everyone here at Bohemia, I’d like to congratulate the winners, and thank all of the contestants, supporters, and judges for their enthusiasm and hard work. As developer of the Arma series, it’s very inspiring to see content creators bring such varied, creative, high-quality additions to the Arma 3 platform, as well as the passionate embrace of their efforts by the Arma community. The Make Arma Not War contest is an important first step in the promoting and rewarding of content creators, and we look forward to building upon this commitment in the upcoming year.”

In order to better facilitate player-created content, Arma 3 features Steam Workshop integration, which enables people to easily share and install custom scenarios and addons. Bohemia Interactive plans to expand Arma 3’s Steam Workshop implementation to support full mods, total conversions and much larger file sizes in the near future. In addition, the studio is pursuing other opportunities that might help player-created content flourish, such as a potential Steam Workshop marketplace where Arma 3 content creators could sell their work. More specific details will be shared in a future devblog.

More information about the Make Arma Not War contest and the winning entries can be found on www.makearma.com/winners.

Trailer

QuakeCon 2015 Fourth Round of Online Pre-Registration Opens Today

2015/03/25

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Geek News, News, QuakeCon

March 25, 2015 — We’re pleased to announce that QuakeCon 2015 online pre-registration for the ‘BYOC Select-a-Seat’ package will open for attendees today, March 25^th at 7pm CT/8pm ET at: registration.quakecon.org. The ‘BYOC Select-a-Seat’ package includes:

BYOC Select-a-Seat

Includes Guaranteed Reserved Seating

$55 (Limit of 1,600 packages available)

Select and Reserve a guaranteed seat of your choice in the BYOC area
Official QuakeCon 2015 BYOC T-Shirt
Official QuakeCon 2015 Lanyard

Additionally, pre-registration for the ‘Swag Pack’ as well general admission attendee online pre-registration are set to become available next week on the QuakeCon pre-registration site. The full description for the limited‘Swag Pack’ package, and the dates it will be available for purchase are below.

DESCRIPTION & AVAILABILITY

Wednesday, April 1^st at 7pm CT/8pm ET

Swag Pack

Full of Limited Edition Items

$125 (Limit of 500 packages available)

Official QuakeCon 2015 T-Shirt
TWO Special Limited Edition T-Shirts
QuakeCon Exclusive Hoodie
QuakeCon 2015 branded 4400 mAh Power Bank

While general attendance remains free, attendees wishing to participate in the QuakeCon 2015 BYOC must pre-purchase one of the ‘BYOC Select-a-Seat’ packages through our online registration site to guarantee a seat. As ‘BYOC Select-a-Seat’ packages are limited and all seats will be accounted for prior to the show, we won’t have seats available on-site or on a first-come-first serve basis. Once the packages sell out, we’ll be giving people the opportunity to win a limited number of BYOC seats via social media giveaways, contests, and via our event partners leading up to the show. Be sure to keep an eye on our QuakeCon Twitter account and QuakeConFacebook page for all the details on how to win!

Slender: The Arrival Next-Gen Launch Trailer and Screenshots

2015/03/25

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Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Screenshots / Photos, Xbox One News

Toronto, Canada – March 25, 2015 – One of the most terrifying games in recent memory now returns! Slender: The Arrival, the official follow-up to the original indie phenomenon Slender: The Eight Pages, is now available for PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft via the ID@Xbox self-publishing program. To commemorate the launch of Slender: The Arrival, a limited time discount is being offered whereby PlayStation Plus members can buy the game at 30% off, while Xbox Live Gold members can grabThe Arrival at 30% off through Deals with Gold on Xbox One.

Developed and published by Blue Isle Studios, Slender: The Arrival has already haunted scores of PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 gamers with its incredibly dark and sinister atmosphere, a tense and mysterious plot, and one of the most shadowy and fearsome villains the videogame world has ever seen. Set to a powerful and dramatic soundtrack, Slender: The Arrival features an engaging storyline that will have players unplugging their consoles and turning on all the lights! Lauren is in search of her friend Kate, who has recently become increasingly obsessed with the folklore of Slender Man. Was Kate’s disappearance the work of Slender Man? Use Kate’s forgotten flashlight to explore abandoned houses, creepy mines and dark forests to unravel the mystery – all the while being stalked by the menacing presence of Slender Man.

Now PS4 and Xbox One gamers listen closely! There is a hidden, ghostly, ethereal audio track that will randomly play while exploring the forest. Players who hear the song can record it, upload the clip to YouTube, and send the URL to contests@blueislestudios.com where winners will be drawn at random by Blue Isle Studios to win amazing, glorious prizes! (Or maybe a Slender t-shirt?!)

Developed in collaboration with Eric “Victor Surge” Knudson, creator of the paranormal Internet phenomenon Slender Man, and written by the creative team behind theMarble Hornets series, Slender: The Arrival is rated ‘T’ for Teen (Blood, Violence) and is now available for $9.99 digital download.

For more information, please visit www.slenderarrival.com, follow @BlueIsleStudios and ‘Like’ the game on Facebook.

Screenshots

Ubisoft Announces The Crew Free Trial

2015/03/24

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Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Xbox One News

SAN FRANCISCO — March 24, 2015 — Today, Ubisoft^® announced that a free trial of the action-driving MMO The Crew™ is available today on PlayStation^®4 computer entertainment system, and will be available March 25 on Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft. New players will be able to hit the road in this free two-hour trial and keep all of their progress should they decide they want to continue by purchasing the game.

For current players, the Vintage Car Pack and Vintage Live Update, including a new PvP mode, are also available. Traverse America in style with the Vintage Car Pack, including the classic sleek-lined Chevrolet Corvette C2, the iconic and powerful Chevrolet Corvette C3 and the lightning-quick Spyker C8 Aileron. The Vintage Car Pack is now available for The Crew Season Pass holders or can be purchased separately.

Four new faction missions themed for speed racers are now available for all players free of charge with the Vintage Live Update. Saddle up for a dirt race through the Wild West, head to the Deep South to join in the Bayou Brawl, enjoy cruising down the historic Route 66 or imagine yourself in Sin City tracking down and smashing a cargo shipment in The Score.

Players can also enjoy the new Blitz Brawl PvP mode where they will hurry from zone to zone and score points alone or as part of a team. Push opponents out of the zone while remaining inside the zone to increase your chances of winning. The Vintage Live Update also comes with new tuning specs to enrich your car collection for six of your favorite cars. Keep it retro with vintage stickers, or refine your car with a brand-new wooden interior.

The 2014 Game Critics Awards Best Racing Game of E3, The Crew takes gamers on a wild ride throughout a massive open world recreation of the United States filled with exciting challenges and populated by other real players.

For more information on The Crew, please visit thecrewgame.com.